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HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION PANEL

‘Ōpio Fest, Events, Features, Free Films/Events / By Sean Oketani

Empowering The Next Generation: Navigating The Future of Film in Hawai’i’s Film Community Mahalo to our panelists who shared about their organization and the resources available for the next generation of storytellers Hawai’i. From mentorship programs and hands-on media workshops to production resources and funding opportunities, these community programs play a virtal role in shaping […]

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Programmer’s Picks: STATE OF STATELESSNESS is an anthology of Tibetans in exile

‘Ōpio Fest, Features, Film Festival News, Programming Updates, Reviews, Spring Showcase / By HIFF Programming

The first-ever Tibetan-language anthology feature film produced is screening in the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest after its world premiere at the Busan Film Festival. STATE OF STATELESSNESS: TALES FROM THE TIBETAN DIASPORA is comprised of four short segments directed by Tibetan filmmakers living in exile in India, America and Vietnam. Each film delves into the profound

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Programmer’s Picks: THE SHROUDS is David Cronenberg’s most personal film

‘Ōpio Fest, Features, Film Festival News, Programming Updates, Reviews, Spring Showcase / By HIFF Programming

David Cronenberg’s THE SHROUDS is a conundrum of a film. First off, it is a poignant departure from his traditional body horror oeuvre, delving deep into the realms of grief, mortality, and the intertwining of technology with human emotion. This film offers a contemplative exploration of how we confront death in an age dominated by

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#MYHIFFMOMENT

Events / By Ross Matlin

Instagram Facebook Youtube The HIFF Fall Festival is more than a celebration of films – it brings a premier red carpet experience to the islands for all to enjoy. Now in our 44th year, there are so many special memories from those in the HIFF community. Let’s take a look back at some of those

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HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST – A CELEBRATION OF HAWAI’I ‘NEXT GEN’ FILMMAKERS, FILMS STRAIGHT FROM SUNDANCE & SPECIAL GUESTS

‘Ōpio Fest, Programming Updates, Spring Showcase, Sundance / By HIFF Programming

HIFF ‘ŌPIO FEST runs April 8-13, 2025, in Honolulu at Consolidated Theatres Kahala presenting 16 feature films, 6 shorts, and 56 student films HONOLULU, HI (MARCH 10, 2025) – The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) unites its annual Spring Showcase, which brings the brightest new voices in international cinema ahead of its Fall Festival,

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HIFF’S SPRING ‘ŌPIO FEST COMING APRIL 8 – 13

‘Ōpio Fest, Current Events, Features, Film Festival News, HIFF News / By Aaron Hansen

Aloha HIFF ʻOhana, As we enter our 45th year and reflect on the legacy and bright future ahead for HIFF, it is my honor to announce the next exciting evolution of the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival: HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest presented by Halekulani. This rebrand of our signature spring event will maintain all the acclaim of

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THE QUEEN’S FLOWERS Review

Hawai‘i Films, HIFF44, HOCCI, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

Of all the films that I’ve seen at HIFF 44, one of these films that stood out amongst the rest was the animated short THE QUEENʻS FLOWERS. It is an Indigenous Hawaiian animation short directed by Ciara Leinaʻala Lacy. The film is based on a true story and takes place in 1915 Honolulu, it follows

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IN-YOUR-FACE: Exploring the Chaotic Inspirations & The Spiritual Realm of MANIFESTO [FOR CONCRETE POETRY]

Features, Hawai‘i Films, HIFF44, HIFILM, HOCCI, Interview, Reviews / By HIFF Programming

If you want to watch a short film that is blunt, in-your-face, and smacks you out of nowhere, look no further than the short MANIFESTO [FOR CONCRETE POETRY], directed by Richard Hamasaki, Jody Stillwater & Sebastian Galasso. The imagery, editing combined with the avant-garde archival use of texture and imagery, bring to life the poem

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The Journey of Creating TWO BREATHS

HIFF44, HOCCI / By Guest Author

TWO BREATHS, directed by Kateryna Kurganska, is one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking short films ever produced in Hawai’i. The film is a passion project and a dream many years in the making that has the “creative DNA” of nearly 200 different people. This article contains a full timeline of the creative process of the film

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SEOUL SWITCH and the Cost of Fame

HIFF44, HOCCI, Reviews / By Guest Author

If you enjoy films that explore dual identities, such as THE PARENT TRAP (1998), THE HOT CHICK (2002), or even the television show HANNAH MONTANA, which plays with themes of identity exploration and social contrast, then SEOUL SWITCH is a must-add to your watchlist. This short film, just over 12 minutes, captures the fun and

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